The USDA has strict standards for food products labeled organic but, until now, the consumer has been on their own in deciphering the safety of personal care products. This new recommendation means manufacturers of personal care products claiming to be organic, but are not actually certified, will have to drop organic claims or reformulate their products to meet organic standards. USDA organic food standards restrict the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, sewage sludge, or genetically modified organisms (GMO’s).

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) has been working long and hard on this issue and have put into effect a Boycott/Buycott, outing brands who falsely claim to be organic and promoting (buy-cotting) brands who are certified organic. Prior to initiating the boycott, the OCA urged manufacturers to sign a contract pledging to either meet organic standards or drop false organic claims. The companies who refused are now being boycotted. Listed in the OCA boycott are the following brands:
Amazon Organics, Avalon Organics, Desert Essence Organics, Earth's Best Organic, Giovanni Organic Cosmetics, Head Organics, JASON Pure Natural and Organic, Nature's Gate Organics, Organics by Noah's Naturals.

Already held to these high standards, Lavera endorsed the OCA campaign. All Lavera products carry BDIH certification, adhering to stringent guidelines for ingredient usage and manufacturing processes which ensures products are free of synthetic ingredients and petrochemicals. Many Lavera products are also certified by the UK based Vegan Society.

While the world of organic personal care products still has a way to go before it is easy to tell the good from the bad, this recent change in how products may be labeled is certainly a step in the right direction.